Kodak brings high-def video to two new cameras

Kodak EasyShare V1253

Kodak kicks off its fall lineup with two new cameras that pack a lot of resolution into a pocketable package. The camera company just announced the EasyShare V1233 and V1253, a pair of compact 12-megapixel cameras that focus on portability and simplicity. Measuring just 0.9 inch deep each, both models feature the same 12-megapixel sensor, 37 to 111mm-equivalent f/3.4-5.3 lens, face detection autofocus/autoexposure, and HDTV compatibility (with optional dock). For once, this HDTV compatibility doesn't just mean you can show off your photos on your high-def TV; both the V1233 and V1253 offer high-definition video modes that can record 720p Quicktime movies at 30 frames per second.

The two cameras are identical, save for their displays. The V1233 uses a 2.5-inch LCD while the V1253 features a 3.1-inch screen, the largest display we've yet seen on a compact camera. Of course, the big display means a bigger price tag; the Kodak EasyShare V1233 will retail for about $250 and the V1253 will retail for about $300 when both cameras ship later this month. Both models will be available in black, silver, and white versions.

[kswa1987]

720p at 30fps?

I don't understand this terminology, wouldn't this simply be 720i? Or will the
video play at 30fps progressive on an HDTV as opposed to 60fps interlaced?

[ceosion]

A good camera

I worked on this camera during my internship with Kodak, and first hand, I love the thing. It is brand new engineering for Kodak, so you'll have to expect a kink or two, but they're working them out quickly.

In response to the other comment - the cameras record in 720p at 30fps. I don't understand what you mean by 720i at 60fps... that's not how it's done, any way. Resolution and frame rate are not dependant on one another, in this case.

[mados123]

720i? 720p is impressive for a digital camera.

No such thing as 720i. I believe 30fps progressive is the equivalence (not opposition) of 60fps interlaced. That would be very impressive for a point and shoot camera although you would need quite a large sd card for recording anything longer than a minute.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/720p

[natejohnstone]

CNET--Please give a full review!!

I really like the idea of near-HD quality videos from a compact camera. I want to know how well this thing works!

[warrpped1]

Super Sweet

This camera promised a lot when I bought it, I was a bit skeptical to say the least... I have had it since Sept 15th and I gotta say it meets or surpases it's hd claims. takes great pics, has great options, took me a bit to get proficient with different settings for pics but results were awesome, only issue is it takes for ever to store a pic, then I signed up for kodak on line and they sent me some upgrades to quicken the shot save mode, along with buying a 2G fast card for storage...

[icu2009]

This camera suck there is a known issuse with the lens repair. I have sent it off for repair 3 times in two months. I would not recommend any kodak camera at this point to anyone. And then they want to replace it with the same model with a know issuse. I should have stuck with my cannon no problems ever in 5 yrs. Just wanted a never camera.